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Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
09:33

Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Published on: July 28, 2013

Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging for neurodevelopmental disorders in children

Hong-Xin Jiang1, Yan-Mei Ju2, Wei Wang2

  • 1Department of Radiology, Hebei Provincial Gucheng County People's Hospital, No. 55, Kangning East Road, Zhengkou, China. 13298192078@163.com.

Radiologie (Heidelberg, Germany)
|June 16, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) reveals decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. These FA changes in the globus pallidus and internal capsule correlate with dysfunction severity, serving as potential biomarkers.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimaging
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Biomarkers

Background:

  • Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) affect children's cognitive and motor functions.
  • Accurate assessment of neurological dysfunction in NDDs is crucial for timely intervention.
  • Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) offers insights into white matter microstructure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the utility of DTI in pediatric NDDs.
  • To assess the role of fractional anisotropy (FA) as a biomarker for neurological dysfunction severity in NDDs.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 91 children with NDDs and 21 controls underwent DTI.
  • Fractional anisotropy (FA) values were measured in specific brain regions, including the globus pallidus and posterior limb of the internal capsule.

Main Results:

  • Children with NDDs exhibited significantly lower FA values in the globus pallidus and posterior limb of the internal capsule compared to controls.
  • FA values decreased progressively with increasing severity of NDDs.
  • These reductions were statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

  • DTI is a valuable tool for understanding NDDs in children.
  • FA changes in the globus pallidus and posterior limb of the internal capsule are associated with NDD severity.
  • These FA alterations may serve as effective biomarkers for assessing neurological dysfunction in pediatric NDDs.
Abstract

Keywords:
ChildrenFractional anisotropyMagnetic resonance diffusion tensor imagingNeurodevelopmental disordersNeurological dysfunction

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